When writing my book, I initially intended it for educators and administrators. The mental workouts were geared to assist in enduring the endurance sport of the academic school year. However, when reading some Amazon reviews, two struck me allowing the lightbulb to illuminate.
"This book is a life changer in any thing you do— not just for teachers. It makes you believe in yourself and all of your potential. It creates an uplifting buzz to go for it — whatever your “it” is."--Greg C.
"This book is not just for teachers. It’s for everyone!"--Yvonne C.
So, while I still consult and work with adults regarding the Teach4Endurance lifestyle, I've began incorporating "Endurance" Days into my classroom. Each week my students take part in one of the book's nearly 100 workouts.
Why? DO NOT TRY TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL YOU'VE CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD!
If you're mentally not in a good space (whether adult or child), you're not going to achieve anything at a high capacity. No amount of technology or lesson plans will mend a struggling spirit. Hence . . . classroom "Endurance Days" and its wall was born! This wall exists as a daily reminder of how we can strengthen our mind and spirt. It also reminds us that none of us has it all figured out; thereby, none of us are truly alone in our struggles.
Workout 3: Identify Your Purpose
Utilizing a graphic organizer (in my book), honestly fill in the following:
What is important to you?
Pick the MOST important from number 1.
Weave number 2 into your purpose for being a student.
Cliff Notes: If you do not have a purpose for doing what you're doing, you're shooting at a blank target. Good luck hitting the mark and knowing when you've achieved what you've hoped to achieve. YOU NEED A TARGET!
Chapter Intro: Why take part in a race that can take 15 or more hours to complete? As a point of reference, I could drive from my home in Michigan to Florida in that amount of time. Having a purpose allows you to have vision, reason, and motive for doing something. Do not think for a second that my main purpose in IRONMAN® racing is to fill an undying need for pain and misery. Before I took part in my first IRONMAN® event, I already had a clear, three-fold purpose . . .